BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Traffic on I-65 northbound is using the new lanes at the I-22 interchange after a lane shift took place over the weekend. The southbound lanes of I-65 are continuing to use the original lanes.

The stretch of I-65 affected is from Daniel Payne Drive (milepost 264) to Walkers Chapel Road (Exit 267) to shift traffic from I-65 NB onto new pavement. Five Alabama State Troopers are on site assisting with traffic flow.

A reduced speed limit of 45 mph is in effect throughout the work zone. Linda Crockett with ALDOT said motorists should expect major delays during this operation and are requested to consider using alternate routes, adjust arrival/departure times, observe work zone speed limits and other work zone signs, and use extreme caution in this area.

The new lanes travel under the fly way construction that will connect I-22 with I-65. Crockett said the pavement on the new northbound lanes is not the final surface. Additional paving will be done at a later time.

New signs have been added along the roadway to help guide motorists along the new route through the construction zone. Some of the signs remain covered with black tarps.

I-22, when completed, is an Interstate Highway that will follow the U.S. 78 corridor (Corridor X) on a 213-mile-long route from Memphis, Tennessee, to Birmingham, Alabama.

I-22 will be part of an interstate highway system that will connect downtown Atlanta with Birmingham, Memphis, Little Rock, and Oklahoma City.